GIS Tech News (#85)

Autodesk's AutoCAD Map 3D is widely known as an engineering program for creating and managing CAD and spatial data. However, did you know that AutoCAD Map 3D also has querying and geospatial analysis capabilities?

That's right! AutoCAD Map 3D is a true engineering GIS software program: a program that embraces CAD and geospatial data; a program that integrates this data in a manner that respects both engineering design and GIS requirements; a program that not only helps you create and manage both types of data, but also helps you analyze this data.

Whether your focus is CAD or GIS, geospatial analysis can help you derive more value from your data and aid in better decision making. Whether you are creating a bill of materials, designing a new utility network, or conducting a feasibility study, geospatial analysis is an important addition to your CAD and GIS skill set.

This article introduces some of the geospatial analysis capabilities of AutoCAD Map 3D by addressing the role of queries, thematic mapping, buffer analysis, topology analysis, and 3D surfaces in analyzing your CAD and GIS data. In future articles in this series, I'll offer more detailed guidance to help you make the most of these tools. Read more »

Last year, the Bentley Empowered (Be) event drew 2,000 customers to Baltimore, Maryland. Traditionally focused on software training, Bentley Systems took a broader approach for 2008, offering a conference lineup that addressed best practices for design, construction, and infrastructure professionals.

The new approach was successful, but the prospect of getting people to travel in the current economy got Bentley to rethink its event yet again for 2009. The result is BE Connected, an online seminar series that kicked off in late June. More than 9,000 customers have registered for events already, and Bentley wants to get the word out about the wealth of content available, including live and recorded events. Seminar content falls into three categories — building, structural engineering, and civil engineering and roads — and six new seminars are added to the lineup every week. Read more »

Mark Your Calendar: GIS Events

URISA Annual Conference and Exhibition September 29, 2009–October 2, 2009 Anaheim, California URISA's Annual Conference and Exhibition features management and policy discussions of IT/GIS issues affecting urban and regional governments. Preconference workshops, keynote and plenary addresses, technical and policy presentations, and networking events are also held at the conference. Read more

Autodesk University 2009 December 1–3, 2009 Las Vegas, Nevada Early registration opens August 12 for Autodesk University 2009. The annual AU User Conference and Exhibition brings together thousands of Autodesk users, instructors, and partners to learn and network. Read more

For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com. Are you hosting an event that you would like to include in our calendar? Submit details at least two weeks in advance to news@cadalyst.com.

What's New at Cadalyst.com

Cadalyst Lauches Redesigned Web Site Cadalyst introduces a revamped web site boasting a new, cleaner design and improved navigation and functionality for visitors. Read more

Alibre Cuts 3D CAD Price to $99; Cadalyst Calls on Vendors to Clarify Overall Software Costs Where are the best CAD deals now, and what does the future hold for customers who are dropping maintenance contracts? Read more

Mastering ArchiCAD's Curtain Wall Accessory and Junction Placement Tools ArchiCAD Insights Tutorial: Use Curtain Wall features to model and modify an entire structure and its subcomponents. Read more

Q&A Series: Autodesk Subscription, Part 2 This Q&A is part of a series from Cadalyst and Autodesk in which the company answers readers' questions about its software subscription policies. Read more

About the Author: Cadalyst Staff

Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's free Tips & Tools Weekly e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is published. All exclusively from Cadalyst!Follow Lynn on Twitter

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